Fairy Tail: O King of the Fairies

My hands trembled slightly as I summoned the Fountain of Youth from the catalog. I half-expected the description to have been an exaggeration, but when the item materialized before me, it was breathtaking.

It was a small glass bottle, perfectly clear and pristine, as though untouched by time itself. The liquid inside shimmered like liquid starlight, swirling with a faint iridescence. As I held it, a soft warmth spread through my hands, and I felt a strange, almost magnetic pull toward it.

This was no ordinary bottle. It carried the promise of immortality, a treasure worthy of legends.

I twisted the elegant silver cap, and the faintest wisp of mist escaped, carrying an almost intoxicatingly fresh scent. For a moment, I hesitated. The catalog's description was clear—this was the same water that had granted Ban his immortality, along with his near-unstoppable regenerative abilities. My mind raced with excitement and trepidation.

With one last deep breath, I tipped the bottle and drank.

The liquid was cool, smooth, and vibrant, unlike anything I'd tasted before. A second later, my entire body ignited with energy, as though every cell had been set alight. I collapsed to my knees, clutching my chest as heat surged through me, relentless and overwhelming. For a moment, panic gripped me.

Then the heat began to fade, replaced by something else—a euphoric clarity, as though my senses had been upgraded. I could feel my heart beating steadily in my chest, stronger than before. My breathing steadied as a newfound vitality coursed through me.

I flexed my fingers experimentally. My muscles felt taut, my body light yet powerful. The exhaustion from days of travel vanished, replaced by a boundless energy that made me want to run, jump, and fight. My aches and bruises, remnants of the battle with the Vulcans, were gone—as though they'd never existed.

To truly test it, I looked around and grabbed a jagged stone from the ground. With a deliberate motion, I pressed its sharp edge against my forearm, wincing as it cut deep into the skin. Blood welled up for only a second before the wound sealed itself shut, the skin knitting back together seamlessly.

I laughed, exhilarated, marveling at my arm as though I were seeing it for the first time. 

To push further, I slashed my palm, a deeper cut this time, and watched in awe as the bleeding stopped almost instantly, the flesh regenerating in seconds. I couldn't stop grinning. The regeneration was everything I'd hoped for—quick, efficient, and borderline invincible.

Standing tall, I felt the strength coursing through me, an unshakable vitality that made the forest seem less threatening. The shadows no longer felt suffocating, and the dangers ahead seemed surmountable. Whatever challenges this world threw at me, I was ready.

--

The first rays of sunlight peeked through the thick forest canopy, casting golden streaks across my makeshift campsite. The chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves stirred me from my dreamless sleep. For a moment, I lay in my summoned tent, staring at the fabric ceiling, trying to let the realization of my new life settle in.

This wasn't Earth. This wasn't the mundane cycle of commuting and office drudgery. This was a world where monsters lurked in the shadows and unimaginable treasures were at my fingertips. A world where I could carve my own destiny.

Pushing myself upright, I stretched, feeling the newfound strength coursing through my body. The effects of the Fountain of Eternal Youth lingered. My body felt lighter, yet powerful, as though I could leap through the air and keep running for miles without tiring. I clenched my fists, reminded of the extraordinary regeneration I now possessed. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew I was better prepared than before.

After packing up my tent and ensuring I hadn't left anything behind, I opened the Celestial Inventory and consulted the map once more. The settlement was still marked, not far beyond the forest's edge. "A few more hours," I murmured to myself, slinging a summoned pack over my shoulder. With a deep breath, I began my trek.

I could have summoned a vehicle to aid me, but I refrained from doing so.

I just don't want to reach my destination, rather I also want to enjoy the journey. It was something I longed for in my previous life. Something I never had the chance to do in my previous life as I was barely surviving, barely making ends meet.

This is my chance to experience the whole world with all of its wonders.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the earthy aroma of moss and leaves. As I walked, I found myself marveling at the world around me. The forest was alive, more vibrant than anything I'd ever known on Earth. A rabbit-like creature with blue fur darted across my path, pausing briefly to stare at me with oversized, curious eyes before disappearing into the undergrowth. It reminded me of the Vulcans from yesterday, a sharp contrast between predator and prey.

My thoughts drifted back to the fight. While I had survived, it was clear just how vulnerable I had been. The strength of this world's creatures was beyond anything I had experienced. Even with my regenerative abilities, I wasn't invincible. Well perhaps I am but I need to train. To get stronger. 

I want to prove something to myself. That I could be better than my previous self was

By midday, the forest finally gave way to open fields. Rolling hills stretched out before me, dotted with wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. In the distance, I saw it—a small town nestled in the valley, its stone walls rising just high enough to provide defense while still allowing a glimpse of the buildings within. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the faint murmur of life reached my ears even from this distance.

Relief washed over me. "Finally," I muttered with a smile. After a day of trekking through the wilderness, the sight of civilization was more welcoming than I had anticipated. My stomach growled, a reminder that while the Celestial Inventory could provide endless supplies, I craved something real—something cooked fresh by someone other than myself.

As I approached the town, I noticed a group of guards stationed at the main gate. They were clad in simple but sturdy armor, armed with spears and shields. Their expressions were wary as I drew closer, their eyes scanning me for any sign of threat.

"Halt," one of them called out, his voice firm but not unkind. "State your business."

"I'm a traveler," I replied, keeping my tone calm and polite. "I'm just passing through and need a place to rest."

The guard eyed me for a moment, then glanced at my weapon—a plain sword sheathed at my side. "You don't look like a merchant or a farmer. What brings you to Shirotsume Town?"

Shirotsume? The name struck me as oddly familiar, though I couldn't place it. Choosing my words carefully, I said, "I was stranded in the forest. I'm just looking for shelter and food."

The guard's expression softened slightly. "The forest isn't kind to travelers. You're lucky you made it out. Alright, go on in—but don't cause any trouble."

With a nod of gratitude, I stepped through the gate. The town was bustling, a charming mix of cobblestone streets, wooden homes, and market stalls. Vendors called out to passersby, hawking everything from fresh produce to weapons and trinkets. Children laughed as they darted between carts, their carefree joy a stark contrast to the dangers I had faced just the day before.

I paused for a moment, taking it all in. This was my first glimpse into the world beyond the forest—a world both familiar and alien. And yet, as I stood there, surrounded by life and movement, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had seen it all before.

"This place..." I murmured, my brow furrowing. "Why does it feel familiar?"

But there was no time to dwell on the thought. My first priority was finding an inn, something that offered both food and a proper bed. The town seemed welcoming enough, but I knew better than to let my guard down. After all, in a world like this, danger could be lurking just beneath the surface.

With a deep breath, I adjusted my pack and headed further into Shirotsume, ready to uncover what this town—and this world—had in store for me.